Elknut1, an advantage to self employment is I go when I want too. I have been juggling between bow and rifle. Advantages to both. It aint easy to plana hunt when you lose your source of info, a seasoned elk hunter,past guide and close friend.So what advice I've gotten comes from any number of supposed "experts". Are you asking because your interested? I see you are from Idaho. Curious if you drew tags in montana? I thought Idaho was good place for elk. wayne